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Visit to Ragusano tomato farm, Sicily (IT)

On 21 October 2009, with the help of a tomato specialist of De Ruiter Seeds (now Monsanto Vegetable Seeds), FreshPlaza has created a photo reportage in some companies in Ragusa (Sicily). In the picture Carmelo Occhipinti.
On 21 October 2009, with the help of a tomato specialist of De Ruiter Seeds (now Monsanto Vegetable Seeds), FreshPlaza has created a photo reportage in some companies in Ragusa (Sicily). In the picture Carmelo Occhipinti.
The Carmelo Occhipinti's company is specialized in producing green tomato. At the time of FreshPlaza visit, the company had already made five crops. The production is continued until the end of December.
The Carmelo Occhipinti's company is specialized in producing green tomato. At the time of FreshPlaza visit, the company had already made five crops. The production is continued until the end of December.
Around clusters, in winter, a thinning of the leaves is put into effect to prevent moisture build.
Around clusters, in winter, a thinning of the leaves is put into effect to prevent moisture build.
The plants were transplanted on 10 August 2009. Almost all production of green tomato, previously concentrated in Vittoria (RG), is moved into the area of Scicli (RG).
The plants were transplanted on 10 August 2009. Almost all production of green tomato, previously concentrated in Vittoria (RG), is moved into the area of Scicli (RG).
The tomato ripens from the base, which turns slightly yellow-green.
The tomato ripens from the base, which turns slightly yellow-green.
In the picture, Bartolo Asta (De Ruiter technician) and Maria Rita Mogno (breeder).
In the picture, Bartolo Asta (De Ruiter technician) and Maria Rita Mogno (breeder).
The Carmelo Occhipinti's company covers 1.2 hectares, all in greenhouse.
The Carmelo Occhipinti's company covers 1.2 hectares, all in greenhouse.
The plant is pollinated by bumblebees and the irrigation occurs by a drop system.
The plant is pollinated by bumblebees and the irrigation occurs by a drop system.
Besides the green tomato, the company produces long tomato in winter. The sale is done collectively, with the same company buyer.
Besides the green tomato, the company produces long tomato in winter. The sale is done collectively, with the same company buyer.
Carmelo Occhipinti takes care of the family business since 1997. Before the management was in the hands of his father.
Carmelo Occhipinti takes care of the family business since 1997. Before the management was in the hands of his father.
Together with Rosario Privitera (on the left), a tomato specialist for De Ruiter Seeds (now Monsanto Vegetable Seeds), FreshPlaza then visited the greenhouses of the producer association Piombo, represented by Massimo Gambuzza (on the right).
Together with Rosario Privitera (on the left), a tomato specialist for De Ruiter Seeds (now Monsanto Vegetable Seeds), FreshPlaza then visited the greenhouses of the producer association Piombo, represented by Massimo Gambuzza (on the right).
Piombo Association cultivates vegetables on an area of 500 hectares in open field (peppers, carrots and potatoes) and 60 hectares under greenhouses (tomatoes, peppers and zucchini).
Piombo Association cultivates vegetables on an area of 500 hectares in open field (peppers, carrots and potatoes) and 60 hectares under greenhouses (tomatoes, peppers and zucchini).
Tomato production reaches five thousand tons. The product is packed directly in the warehouse of the company, with 3 lines for the processing of vegetables, one for potatoes and one for carrots.
Tomato production reaches five thousand tons. The product is packed directly in the warehouse of the company, with 3 lines for the processing of vegetables, one for potatoes and one for carrots.
17 hectares in greenhouse are used for the production of vine tomatoes. On the ground there is a cloth covering (5 microns thick) that allows the maintenance of humidity of the land. The cloth is usable for 5-6 years in a row.
17 hectares in greenhouse are used for the production of vine tomatoes. On the ground there is a cloth covering (5 microns thick) that allows the maintenance of humidity of the land. The cloth is usable for 5-6 years in a row.
Row of green tomato DRW 7718
Row of green tomato DRW 7718
Detail of a cluster.
Detail of a cluster.
The maturation of the bunch, noting by the color gradation, begins from the top and proceeds downward.
The maturation of the bunch, noting by the color gradation, begins from the top and proceeds downward.
Rosario Privitera and Massimo Gambuzza evaluate the product.
Rosario Privitera and Massimo Gambuzza evaluate the product.
The association is gradually converting the traditional production into cheaper out of the ground cultivation.
The association is gradually converting the traditional production into cheaper out of the ground cultivation.
The out of the ground technique allows more productivity and fewer problems related to plant diseases.
The out of the ground technique allows more productivity and fewer problems related to plant diseases.
The base of the plants is made of coconut fibres.
The base of the plants is made of coconut fibres.
The transplant takes place one month earlier than the crops in the ground.
The transplant takes place one month earlier than the crops in the ground.
Plants in greenhouses are fed and hydrated through fertilization-irrigation system.
Plants in greenhouses are fed and hydrated through fertilization-irrigation system.
In the foreground, a water trap to catch the moths of Tuta absoluta (tomato moth). Unlike the use of pheromones, which attract only the males, here the light placed on the pan attracts both males and females. The water in the tank is blanketed by a layer of oil, which prevents the insect to return to flight once fallen into the trap.
In the foreground, a water trap to catch the moths of Tuta absoluta (tomato moth). Unlike the use of pheromones, which attract only the males, here the light placed on the pan attracts both males and females. The water in the tank is blanketed by a layer of oil, which prevents the insect to return to flight once fallen into the trap.
Hive of bumble bees for pollination.
Hive of bumble bees for pollination.
A view from the top of one of the halls of work on the Piombo association.
A view from the top of one of the halls of work on the Piombo association.
From left to right. On behalf of De Ruiter-Monsanto, Horacio Cano Sala, Maria Rita Mogno, Nunzio Cannizzo, Bartolo Asta, Massimo Gambuzza (Piombo Association), Rosario Privitera and Salvatore Tricomi.
From left to right. On behalf of De Ruiter-Monsanto, Horacio Cano Sala, Maria Rita Mogno, Nunzio Cannizzo, Bartolo Asta, Massimo Gambuzza (Piombo Association), Rosario Privitera and Salvatore Tricomi.
Giorgio Occhipinti farm’s located near the sea.
Giorgio Occhipinti farm’s located near the sea.
This farm covers 11 hectares, with 50 varied size greenhouses. The product is sold onder the label “Astro del Sol Nascente”.
This farm covers 11 hectares, with 50 varied size greenhouses. The product is sold onder the label “Astro del Sol Nascente”.
Giorgio Occhipinti's company sells for the first time last year the cherry tomato Okidoki.
Giorgio Occhipinti's company sells for the first time last year the cherry tomato Okidoki.
Greenhouse of cherry cluster Okidoki.
Greenhouse of cherry cluster Okidoki.
No more than ten companies have had the chance to plant Okidoki, because there was limited seed availability.
No more than ten companies have had the chance to plant Okidoki, because there was limited seed availability.
Detail of the flower.
Detail of the flower.
The photos were taken 10 - 12 days before harvest, so the tomatoes appear still green.
The photos were taken 10 - 12 days before harvest, so the tomatoes appear still green.
"Among the features of Okidoki, there are the absence of the phenomena of "cracking" (splitting) and the resistance to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) or virus yellow leaves of tomato."
"Among the features of Okidoki, there are the absence of the phenomena of "cracking" (splitting) and the resistance to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) or virus yellow leaves of tomato."
The harvest of cherry tomatoes is from November to June. The Giorgio Occhipinti's company produces also eggplants.
The harvest of cherry tomatoes is from November to June. The Giorgio Occhipinti's company produces also eggplants.
Another greenhouse tomato. In this area, one of the main problems arising from the proximity of the sea is the high salinity of water.
Another greenhouse tomato. In this area, one of the main problems arising from the proximity of the sea is the high salinity of water.
From left to right: Angelo, Mario, Gianpiero and Sergio, busy in the work in the greenhouses.
From left to right: Angelo, Mario, Gianpiero and Sergio, busy in the work in the greenhouses.
Emanuele Gurrieri's company, where we could photograph the vine tomatoes Okidoki in a more advanced ripening stadium.
Emanuele Gurrieri's company, where we could photograph the vine tomatoes Okidoki in a more advanced ripening stadium.
The tomato has been transplanted on July 30th.
The tomato has been transplanted on July 30th.
Emanuele Gurrieri (on the right in the picture with Rosario Privitera) is a cherry tomato specialist.
Emanuele Gurrieri (on the right in the picture with Rosario Privitera) is a cherry tomato specialist.
The production of cherry tomatoes continues until May.
The production of cherry tomatoes continues until May.
The greenhouse area cover half a hectare.
The greenhouse area cover half a hectare.
At the moment the production is in soil, but Emanuele Gurrieri explains that it will carry out tests in out of the ground cultivation.
At the moment the production is in soil, but Emanuele Gurrieri explains that it will carry out tests in out of the ground cultivation.
Beside cherry tomato, the company grows tomatoes like mini San Marzano too.
Beside cherry tomato, the company grows tomatoes like mini San Marzano too.
Cluster of the tomato variety “Torpedino”.
Cluster of the tomato variety “Torpedino”.
Kamarina Garden company, located in Contrada Randello (Ragusa) and managed by Salvatore Asta and Francesca Cartiglia.
Kamarina Garden company, located in Contrada Randello (Ragusa) and managed by Salvatore Asta and Francesca Cartiglia.
Making a comparison with the tomato production in Holland, Kamarina Garden decided to import Dutch methods and structures in Italy, achieving a successful union between the Sicilian passion and the Dutch technology.
Making a comparison with the tomato production in Holland, Kamarina Garden decided to import Dutch methods and structures in Italy, achieving a successful union between the Sicilian passion and the Dutch technology.
The first thing you notice entering the company is the presence of huge greenhouses nearly 6 meter high, with roofs that open and a complete indoor air control.
The first thing you notice entering the company is the presence of huge greenhouses nearly 6 meter high, with roofs that open and a complete indoor air control.
The interior of one of the greenhouses, each covers one hectare.
The interior of one of the greenhouses, each covers one hectare.
Inside the greenhouses, the heating system, the irrigation and the control of moisture content are fully programmable on the basis of production requirements.
Inside the greenhouses, the heating system, the irrigation and the control of moisture content are fully programmable on the basis of production requirements.
Pipes for heating of individual rows.
Pipes for heating of individual rows.
Detail of a cluster in the ripening process.
Detail of a cluster in the ripening process.
Ivan Gintoli, the agronomist Kamarina Garden.
Ivan Gintoli, the agronomist Kamarina Garden.
Among the rows there are tracks for managing plant and collecting the product, all packaged and marketed within its own brand.
Among the rows there are tracks for managing plant and collecting the product, all packaged and marketed within its own brand.
"Lift truck "click clack". Some buttons on the floor and manoeuvrable with the feet allow the operator to position himself at the height required."
"Lift truck "click clack". Some buttons on the floor and manoeuvrable with the feet allow the operator to position himself at the height required."
Lift truck operator.
Lift truck operator.
Lift truck manoeuvering between the rows.
Lift truck manoeuvering between the rows.
Complete extension of the lift truck. .
Complete extension of the lift truck. .
55,000 square meters of greenhouses are used for the production of tomato on substrates of coconut fibres.
55,000 square meters of greenhouses are used for the production of tomato on substrates of coconut fibres.
Rows of tomatoes out of the ground.
Rows of tomatoes out of the ground.
Detail of the base of coconut fibres. Under the rows, the hives of bumble bee for pollination.
Detail of the base of coconut fibres. Under the rows, the hives of bumble bee for pollination.
Salvatore Asta next to a pallet of tomatoes labelled 'Orto Kamarina'.
Salvatore Asta next to a pallet of tomatoes labelled 'Orto Kamarina'.